Are you looking for ultimate relaxation? I’ve compiled a list of the top wellness travel destinations in the world. Find the perfect retreat to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul!
Traveling for wellness is an amazing way to recharge and find balance. I’ve explored many of the world’s top wellness destinations, and I’m here to share my favorites. These spots are perfect for anyone looking to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with themselves.
I’ve carefully selected these 15 destinations because they offer unique experiences that cater to mind, body, and soul. From yoga retreats in India to spa resorts in Austria, there’s something here for everyone. Each place has left a lasting impression on me, and I know you’ll find them inspiring too.
If you’re ready to dive into the best wellness destinations in the world, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore these incredible locations together and discover why they’re the top choices for wellness travel enthusiasts. Trust me, these places will transform your well-being!
What are wellness travel destinations?
Wellness travel destinations are places specifically chosen for their ability to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These locations offer activities like yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and nature excursions designed to promote relaxation and health. They are ideal for those looking to escape daily stress and focus on personal wellness.
Before we dive into the full list, here are some standout destinations in specific categories:
- Overall best wellness destination: Thailand – Combining luxurious spas, holistic treatments, and stunning beaches.
- Best for yoga and meditation: India – Home to ancient practices, especially in Rishikesh and Kerala.
- Best for natural beauty: Costa Rica – Renowned for its lush landscapes and eco-friendly retreats.
- Best for luxury spa treatments: Austria – With places like Bad Gastein offering world-class spa experiences.
- Best for adventure and wellness: Australia – Byron Bay offers both relaxation and thrilling outdoor activities.
1. Sedona, Arizona, USA
Sedona is honestly one of those places that hits different. This red rock wonderland in Arizona has this crazy spiritual energy that you can actually feel when you’re hiking around those massive formations. I’ve been there a few times, and it never gets old.
The whole energy vortex thing might sound a bit woo-woo, but trust me on this – there’s something special about this place. You can hit up spots like Mii amo, which just got a $40 million renovation and is sitting pretty in Boynton Canyon (one of the main vortex sites). It’s pricey though – we’re talking around $1,000+ per night for their all-inclusive journeys. If you want something more accessible, The Wilde Resort has killer spa treatments and amazing red rock views for way less cash.
Ambiente Sedona is the new adults-only spot that everyone’s talking about, and L’Auberge de Sedona gives you that creekside luxury vibe if you really want to splurge. The cool thing about Sedona is you can do everything from sound bowl healing to crystal therapy, or just stick to regular massages if that’s more your speed.
Getting there is pretty easy. Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (about 2 hours drive) and rent a car because you’ll want wheels to explore. Spring and fall are perfect weather-wise, but honestly, I love it in winter too when it’s not crazy crowded. Summer gets hot, but the dry heat isn’t as brutal as you’d think.
- Read next: Best Retreats in Sedona
2. Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara is where I learned that surf and yoga actually go together perfectly. This little beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has this laid-back energy that makes you forget about deadlines and just breathe for a minute.
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is absolutely legendary here – I stayed there last year and it’s like yoga paradise in the jungle. They’ve got these open-air studios where you can hear howler monkeys during morning practice, which sounds distracting but is actually amazing. Prices run around $200-300 per night depending on the room, and that includes all your meals (which are incredible, by the way).
Blue Spirit is another solid choice if you want that hilltop ocean view vibe. The waves here are consistent enough that even beginners can get up on a board, and there’s something therapeutic about being in the ocean after a good yoga session. Most retreats include everything – accommodation, three meals, yoga classes, and sometimes even surf lessons.
Flying into Liberia Airport is your best bet (about 2.5 hours by shuttle), and most retreat centers will hook you up with transport. The dry season (December to April) is prime time, but honestly, the “green season” is beautiful too and way less crowded. Just pack some rain gear because tropical downpours are real.
- Read next: Costa Rica Hidden Gems
- You may also like: Amazing Things to Do on the Nicoya Peninsula
3. Bali, Indonesia
Bali, specifically Ubud, is like the wellness mecca that actually lives up to the hype. I know it’s gotten super touristy, but there’s a reason everyone keeps going back – the combination of rice paddies, ancient temples, and legit healers is pretty unbeatable.
The retreat scene here is insane. Soulshine Bali just opened and it’s gorgeous – luxury meets spirituality with infinity pools overlooking the jungle. Goddess Retreats runs women-only programs that include unlimited spa treatments (yes, unlimited), which starts around $2,000 for a week. Blooming Lotus is more budget-friendly at around $1,000 for a week, but still gives you that authentic Bali experience.
The Yoga Barn in Ubud is where everyone goes for drop-in classes, and Fivelements is the ultimate splurge if you want traditional Balinese healing rituals. Their signature five-elements retreat starts around $750 per night, but includes everything from plant-based meals to private healing sessions.
Getting to Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar is easy from most places, and you can get a visa on arrival for $35. Ubud is about an hour from the airport, and most retreats include pickup. The weather’s pretty consistent year-round, but dry season (April to October) means less rain if that matters to you.
- Read next: Transformational Travel Experiences
4. Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis (locals call it Floripa) is this cool island in southern Brazil that combines epic beaches with serious wellness vibes. It’s not as well-known as other spots on this list, which honestly makes it better.
The yoga and surf scene here is legit, and you can start your day with beach yoga then hit the waves without dealing with massive crowds. The hiking is incredible too – trails take you to these insane viewpoints that make your Instagram followers jealous. I loved how fresh and clean everything feels here, plus the Brazilian approach to wellness is all about enjoying life, not just suffering through cleanses.
Most retreats run around $100-200 per day including accommodation and meals, which is a steal compared to other beach destinations. The local food scene is amazing – lots of fresh seafood and organic options that don’t feel like typical “health food.”
Florianópolis Airport connects to most major Brazilian cities, and it’s about 30 minutes to the main beach areas. Summer (December to March) is peak season, but shoulder months give you better prices and smaller crowds.
5. Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Vilcabamba is called the “Valley of Longevity” because people here live forever, and after spending time there, I get why. This little town in the Andes has this peaceful energy that just slows everything down in the best way.
Casa de Sol runs retreats that focus on holistic health, and the farm-to-table food is incredible – everything’s organic and locally grown. The prices are super reasonable (think $80-150 per day), and you’re surrounded by mountains and rivers that make hiking feel more like meditation.
The whole wellness scene here isn’t about luxury spas (though they exist) – it’s more about getting back to basics with yoga, meditation, and eating food that actually nourishes you. The community vibe is strong, and locals are genuinely friendly without the tourist-trap feeling.
Getting there requires flying into Quito or Guayaquil then taking a bus (about 4-6 hours), but the journey through the Andes is actually beautiful. The weather’s pretty consistent year-round since you’re near the equator, but pack layers because mountain weather can change quickly.
6. Rishikesh, India
Rishikesh is the real deal – the actual birthplace of yoga where The Beatles came to find enlightenment back in the ’60s. This holy city on the Ganges River in the Himalayas foothills has more ashrams and yoga schools than you can shake a stick at.
Parmarth Niketan is the biggest ashram with over 1,000 rooms and costs around $15-30 per night including meals and yoga classes. That’s not a typo – India is incredibly affordable for wellness travel. Yoga Niketan is another authentic spot where you can do traditional yoga teacher training for under $1,000 for a month-long program.
The evening Ganga Aarti ceremony is absolutely magical – hundreds of people gather by the river with candles and chanting as the sun sets behind the mountains. You can also do white-water rafting and trekking when you need a break from all the meditation.
Flying into Delhi then taking a train or bus to Haridwar (then taxi to Rishikesh) is the most common route. The best weather is September to November and February to April – summer gets brutally hot and monsoon season is intense. Many ashrams provide airport pickup if you arrange it beforehand.
7. Bad Gastein, Austria
Bad Gastein is this gorgeous Alpine spa town that feels like a fairy tale. The thermal baths here are filled with radon-rich water that’s supposed to help with everything from arthritis to skin problems – and honestly, I felt amazing after soaking in those hot springs.
Hapimag Resort offers spa packages starting around €150 per night, which includes access to the thermal baths. The mountain air here is incredibly fresh, and you can combine spa treatments with hiking in summer or skiing in winter. It’s wellness with a side of serious natural beauty.
The town itself is pretty small, so you can walk everywhere, and the Austrian approach to wellness is all about that work-life balance. The food is hearty but surprisingly healthy, with lots of local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Salzburg Airport is about 90 minutes away, or you can fly into Munich and take the train. The thermal baths operate year-round, but I love visiting in winter when you can soak in hot water while snow falls around you.
- Read next: Spectacular Spots in the Austrian Alps
8. Maui, Hawaii
Maui is where you go when you want wellness with a serious dose of natural beauty. Starting your day with sunrise yoga on the beach then hitting up a spa that uses local ingredients like kukui nut oil and Hawaiian sea salt is pretty much paradise.
The island has everything from luxury resort spas to boutique retreat centers. Grand Wailea and Fairmont Kea Lani offer world-class spa treatments, while smaller spots focus more on traditional Hawaiian healing practices. Prices range from $200-500 per treatment depending on where you go.
Haleakala National Park offers incredible hiking, and watching sunrise from the summit (at 10,000 feet) is life-changing. The Road to Hana has waterfalls and hidden beaches perfect for meditation or just soaking up nature.
Flying into Kahului Airport is straightforward from most US cities. The weather’s consistently beautiful, but winter months can have more rain on the windward side. Rent a car because you’ll want to explore the whole island.
9. Elqui Valley, Chile
Elqui Valley has some of the clearest skies on the planet, making it perfect for stargazing retreats that combine astronomy with wellness. The energy here feels different – maybe it’s the mountain setting or the fact that light pollution is basically nonexistent.
The wellness retreats focus on meditation under the stars, energy healing, and yoga with mountain views. Prices are reasonable (around $100-200 per day), and you’re in wine country so the food and drinks are excellent. The combination of outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking with spiritual practices makes for a pretty unique experience.
The closest airport is La Serena, about 2 hours away, or you can fly into Santiago and drive (about 5 hours through beautiful scenery). The dry season (October to March) is best for clear skies and stargazing.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Chile
10. Paros, Greece
Paros is this gorgeous Greek island that’s way less crowded than Mykonos or Santorini but just as beautiful. The yoga scene here combines morning practice on Golden Beach with healthy Mediterranean food and that laid-back island lifestyle.
The wellness centers offer everything from traditional massages to holistic healing, and you can spend afternoons exploring charming villages or hiking coastal trails. The local food is incredible – fresh fish, olive oil, and vegetables that actually taste like they’re supposed to.
Most retreats run around €150-300 per day depending on accommodation level. The combination of yoga, healthy food, and beautiful surroundings makes it feel like a real vacation, not just a wellness bootcamp.
Flying into Athens then taking a ferry (3-4 hours) is the most common route, though Paros Airport has some direct flights during summer. May through October offers the best weather, but shoulder season gives you better prices and fewer crowds.
11. Sacred Valley, Peru
The Sacred Valley combines breathtaking Andean scenery with ancient Incan spirituality for a wellness experience that’s genuinely transformative. This isn’t just about yoga and spa treatments – it’s about connecting with a culture that’s been practicing holistic healing for thousands of years.
Traditional Andean healing practices like coca leaf ceremonies and despacho rituals are offered alongside yoga and meditation. Many retreats include visits to Machu Picchu and other sacred sites, combining cultural exploration with personal growth. Prices typically range from $150-300 per day including accommodation, meals, and activities.
The altitude (11,000+ feet) takes some getting used to, so plan to arrive a day or two early to acclimate. The local markets are incredible, and the sense of community and connection here is profound.
Flying into Cusco is the main access point, with most retreats providing transportation. Dry season (May to September) offers the best weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Read next: Beautiful Places in Peru
- You may also like: Enchanting Spots in the Andes Mountains
12. Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay is Australia’s wellness capital, and it’s earned that reputation. This coastal town has the perfect combo of great surf, solid yoga scene, and that Australian laid-back vibe that makes everything feel easier.
Byron Yoga Centre has been running retreats since 1988 and offers some of the most affordable options in Australia (around AUD $2,800-3,300 for 5-6 nights). SOMA is the luxury option with 22 acres of rainforest just minutes from town. Radiance Retreats offers ocean-view settings with experienced instructors.
The surf here is beginner-friendly, and combining morning yoga with afternoon surf sessions is pretty much the perfect day. The town itself has great cafes, organic markets, and that hippie-meets-luxury vibe that somehow works.
Gold Coast Airport is about an hour away, or you can fly into Brisbane (2 hours). The weather’s consistently good, but autumn and spring offer the best conditions for both surfing and yoga.
- Read next: Incredible Places to Live in Australia
13. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai in northern Thailand offers an incredible combination of Buddhist temples, mountain scenery, and some of the best wellness retreats in Southeast Asia. The cost of living here makes luxury wellness super accessible.
Aleenta Retreat is gorgeous and costs a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere for similar quality. Traditional Thai massage is available everywhere for around $15-20, and the yoga scene combines traditional practices with modern approaches. The food is fresh, healthy, and incredibly flavorful.
Doi Suthep Temple is a must-visit – the hike up offers incredible views and the temple itself is genuinely spiritual. The night markets have amazing healthy food options, and the overall vibe is much more chill than Bangkok.
Chiang Mai Airport has direct flights from most Asian cities. The cool season (November to February) offers the best weather, though it’s also peak tourist season.
14. Mont Tremblant, Canada
Mont Tremblant offers wellness with four seasons of activities in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains. The Scandinavian spa experience with hot and cold baths is incredible, especially when you’re surrounded by snow-covered mountains.
Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant is the main attraction, offering thermal pools, saunas, and relaxation areas in a forest setting. Winter brings skiing and snowshoeing, while summer offers hiking and mountain biking. The combination of outdoor adventure and spa relaxation is pretty perfect.
The village is charming and walkable, with great restaurants and shops. It’s definitely more expensive than other destinations on this list, but the quality and uniqueness of the experience makes it worth it.
Montreal Airport is about 90 minutes away, making it easily accessible. Each season offers different activities, so timing depends on what you want to do.
15. Koh Rong, Cambodia
Koh Rong is this pristine island off Cambodia’s coast that feels like a hidden paradise. The beaches are white sand with turquoise water, and it’s still relatively undeveloped compared to other Southeast Asian islands.
Beachside yoga at sunrise is magical here, and the island’s small size means everything’s walkable. The vibe is super laid-back, with basic but comfortable accommodation and fresh seafood. It’s perfect if you want to disconnect from everything and just be present.
Prices are incredibly reasonable – you can stay in a decent bungalow for $20-40 per night, and meals cost a few dollars. The wellness activities are more about the natural setting than luxury facilities, which I actually preferred.
Getting there requires flying into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, then taking a bus to Sihanoukville and a boat to the island (about 6-8 hours total). Dry season (November to April) offers the best weather and calmest seas.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best wellness destinations in the world
Get all your questions answered about the best wellness destinations around the world.
Which country has the best wellness?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one, but top wellness destinations include Thailand, India, and Costa Rica. Each offers unique experiences, from Thailand’s luxurious spas to India’s traditional Ayurveda and Costa Rica’s nature-focused retreats.
Why are wellness retreats popular?
Wellness retreats are popular because they offer a break from daily stress, allowing individuals to focus on their health and well-being. They provide structured programs, expert guidance, and a serene environment to promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
How do I choose a wellness retreat?
To choose a wellness retreat, consider your goals (e.g., relaxation, detox, fitness), the location, the types of treatments offered, and reviews from past guests. Make sure that the retreat aligns with your wellness needs and preferences.
Is India good for a wellness break?
Yes, India is excellent for a wellness break. It’s renowned for its traditional practices like yoga and Ayurveda, which offer holistic healing and rejuvenation. Destinations like Rishikesh and Kerala are especially popular for their authentic wellness experiences.
